How to know when to use a pacifier

MissHSoonToBeMrsS · May 2014

Our little guy (4.5 weeks old) used to sleep 4-5 hour stretches. He went to bed at 10. Then woke up at 3 to eat and was up for the day around 6 or 7.

The last three nights, he's been up every 2-3 hours. How do I know if he's actually hungry or just needs soothed back to sleep?

Cecilbear · May 2014

Try the pacifier! If it doesn't do the trick, it's time to feed him. That's my method at least !

MissHSoonToBeMrsS · May 2014

DH does the middle of the night changes, and by the time he's done, our LO is rooting like crazy! I thought this meant he was hungry!

Sunshinelou · May 2014

Cecilbear said:

Try the pacifier! If it doesn't do the trick, it's time to feed him. That's my method at least !

I do the same. When Lo cries in the middle of the night I give him his paci a few times/several minutes. Many times he will go back to sleep but he is really hungry his fussing won't stop or will turn into full on crying. I joke that his paci is his snooze button.

Rrrrrachel · May 2014

Yeah try other things first and if they don't work he must be hungry!

MissHSoonToBeMrsS · May 2014

Ok so my next question. What do I do if he spits it out? Do I assume he's hungry, or just put it back in? Also, do you use it during the day as well?

MissHSoonToBeMrsS · May 2014

I've been using it "For Emergencies Only" during the day/evenings and pulling it once he falls asleep.

heids4787 · May 2014

MissHSoonToBeMrsS said:
Ok so my next question. What do I do if he spits it out? Do I assume he's hungry, or just put it back in? Also, do you use it during the day as well?

I also hold LO up on my chest after a diaper change. If she's rooting or making her typical "eager puppy whining" noise, I know she's hungry. You can also touch LO's cheek or lips. If he/she turns in your direction, that's a sign of rooting/hunger.

ETA: you can try gently pulling the paci out of your LO's mouth after putting it in. This "reverse psych" method, as mentioned in "Happiest Baby on the Block," can teach baby to suck harder on the paci to keep it in. If LO still spits it out, it's a sign he/she doesn't want it. I use the paci during daytime moments when I need a boob break or to keep her content in public spaces outside the home.

Yogini6911 · May 2014

If you offer your breast and your LO sucks a little but isn't really drinking, give the paci. Kellymom recommends waiting to give a paci between 4-6w but I caved and give DS one when he was 1w. Since I knew he had a good latch I ignored this recommendation and went with my gut.

Go with your gut...every baby is different

MissHSoonToBeMrsS · May 2014

Oh I know I'm totally over-thinking it! You're not being rude at all. I was dragging my feet about a pacifier because I don't want him dependent on it, but I'm at my wit's end!

heids4787 · May 2014

^As long as you wean the paci around 4-5 months, LO shouldn't be dependent on them (at this age, LO can just suck a thumb). At 6 months, babies start getting emotionally attached to soothies, which will make weaning much harder.

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